Procycling brings you the colour, action and drama of the world's most spectacular sport in a glossy and dynamic magazine. It's the authoritative, worldwide voice of international professional road racing, distributed in every country where there are English-speaking fans. With exclusive features and spectacular photography, Procycling brings to life the complexities, rivalries and hardships of the European professional scene.

Cycling Plus is the manual for the modern road cyclist. Whether you're cycling weekly, an occasional new rider or a Tour de France fan you’ll find everything you need. Every issue is packed with expert reviews of the latest road bikes and gear, inspirational routes and rides, evocative features that take you inside every aspect of cycling and unmatched nutrition, fitness and training advice.

What Mountain Bike is the magazine that gets to the heart of what matters in mountain biking. Whether it’s new bikes, fresh kit, inspiring photography or the low down on the latest trail developments, What Mountain Bike has something for every rider. Our team cuts through jargon and marketing spin to tell you what you need to know, with honest, informed opinions and a wealth of experience.

Mountain Biking UK celebrates everything that is great about mountain biking, enabling people of all abilities and ages to have a better time on their bike. MBUK brings you all the latest news, coolest kit, plus exclusive info on the newest and best bikes that you can buy.

Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge GranFondo spoils 3,500 riders

Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge GranFondo spoils 3,500 riders

Team BMC Racing's Jim Ochowicz with Levi Leipheimer before the start of the King Ridge GranFondo October 3, 2009.

Gary Boulanger

GranFondo riders enjoyed a tailwind down beautiful Highway 1.

Gary Boulanger

The ride wasn't without a challenge, though, as the 18-percent Coleman Valley Road shot straight up from the coast line.

Gary Boulanger

Team BMC Racing's Jim Ochowicz with Levi Leipheimer before the start of the King Ridge GranFondo October 3, 2009.

Gary Boulanger

GranFondo riders enjoyed a tailwind down beautiful Highway 1.

Gary Boulanger

The ride wasn't without a challenge, though, as the 18-percent Coleman Valley Road shot straight up from the coast line.

Gary Boulanger

Image 1 of 3

The inaugural Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge GranFondo, held on the Astana rider's training roads near his Santa Rosa, California home, saw 3,500-plus riders ride 36-, 65- and 103-mile courses under blue skies with temperatures in the high 70s.

The star-studded event drew riders from across the US, including Tour of California director Andrew Messick and Team BMC Racing's Jim Ochowicz.

Santa Rosa has hosted a stage of the Tour of California since its inception in 2006, and the city threw out all the stops to prove to Tour organisers its ability to host a world-class cycling event in the GranFondo, and bring the 2010 Tour back through Santa Rosa next May. Messick said an official route will be announced on October 22.

Local pro Scott Nydam was first to finish the 103-mile GranFondo route in 4:48. Nydam, a Santa Rosa resident like Leipheimer, races for Team BMC and assisted the Astana team during its pre-Tour of California training camp last February.

The mass start event rolled out from the Finley Community Park Aquatic Center at 8.15am. Gran Fondo and MedioFondo riders were treated to open roads for 20 miles together, before splitting at Monte Rio.

The GranFondo peloton covered the same ground as Team Astana did in February, pedalling through the redwoods of Cazadero before climbing the challenging King Ridge Road.

Both the Gran and Medio riders tackled the 18 percent grade of Coleman Valley Road after a brisk tailwind-aided jaunt down picturesque Highway 1.

Were you there? Tell us about your GranFondo experience. Check back later this week for a complete report.